Jackson County Sherif Mike Byrd said exposed lithium, a chemical used in manufacturing methamphetamine, was thrown into the toilet of a trailer on the 7200 block of Plantation Rd. while officers were on the scene investigating. The lithium exploded when making contact with water and caught the toilet on fire.
“It was an attempt to destroy evidence,” Byrd said. “Agents had to extinguish the fire.”
Jackson County Narcotics Task Force agents were searching for Christopher Carl "CC" Brown, 29, who they say fled the scene upon their arrival. Warrants were issued for his arrest, and Brown was finally apprehended Tuesday at his grandmother’s home.
Moss Point fireman and homeowner Ira Timmy "Timbo" Moore, 30, and Jamie Brooke Potts, 21, were arrested at the scene. All three suspects were charged with manufacturing of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of precursor chemicals and generation of hazardous waste.
Authorities said a methamphetamine lab was discovered on the kitchen counter at the residence, and assorted precursor chemicals were found both inside and outside of the home.
Prior to the incident, Brown was out on bond and awaiting trial from several charges dating back to April 2010, including multiple charges for manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, generation of hazardous waste and possession of precursor chemicals. He also faces a charge of domestic violence and possession of a controlled substance.
Potts also faces previous charges dating back to 2010, including conspiracy to manufacture a schedule II controlled substance, burglary of a dwelling house, manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance, possession of precursor chemicals and generation of hazardous waste.
In related news, concerned citizens also led Jackson County Narcotics Task Force agents to a meth lab in St. Martin late last week.
According to Byrd, authorities busted a one pot meth lab on the 14000 block of Parker Rd in St. Martin Thursday, Jan. 12. Agents on scene could smell ammonia, commonly known to associate with a methamphetamine lab, coming from the residence as they were knocking on the door, Byrd said.
Agents arrested six people at the residence, including Gerald Bangs, 24; Henry "Pops" Bangs, 50; Adam Bush, 20; Melissa Herren, 30; Andrea Gramm, 19; and Christopher Stanley, 31. Each were charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of precursor chemicals, generation of
hazardous waste, and manufacturing a schedule II controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
If convicted on all charges, each suspect faces a 150-year prison sentence and fines up to $5 million.
“Upon execution of the search warrant, agents discovered a one pot
methamphetamine lab in the living room hidden between some chairs,” Byrd said. “It was only minutes away from exploding.”
Agents were able to safely complete the cooking process to render the methamphetamine lab safe until clean-up crews could respond, said Byrd.
Authorities also recovered several additional one pot methamphetamine labs and related items inside and around the residence, along with a sawed off 12 gauge shotgun. A gun at the residence during the manufacturing process enhances the penalties, Byrd said.
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